I think your wrong here, if the pigeon has been out all this time learning then don't be surprised it makes it home in good time this weeks race.Pigeons don't know the race/distance they are at, they only try and get home on their experiences.
Hard to get the kids into keeping livestock nowadays m8.They are usually too soft and cant commit to it.I hope this young fella is different.He sounds a bit special. Most talk a good game but arent really interested.
Heard yesterday red kites were spotted around Elvanfoot. Canny remember them ever being as far up the country before. I saw them in Dumfriesshire ( Castle Douglas ) last year and they are cracking birds. Im not sure if they would bother our pigeons??